Educational Leadership Commons^™

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kimberly S. Kazmierczak

Graduate Research Papers

Administration is a journey of discovery. This reflective paper is the testament discovery for one administrator who is not the same person as she was one year ago. The anniversary of acceptance to take a position in administration has passed and has found this administrator with newly found confidence, knowledge and purpose to constantly improve and never cease to learn.

This paper is a reflection of the cognitive and affective gains made by one administrator in her first year. It demonstrates what practical application while learning can do for the professional career of a future administrator. "A leader who plans, …

A Personal Professional Vision For Elementary Principalship : A Reflective Essay, Doreen A. Knuth

Graduate Research Papers

The business of running public schools to prepare our youngsters to be productive members of society is a very complex task. It is not enough to simply have a vision based on values and beliefs, but one must also possess the necessary skills to · transform that vision into reality. Dr. Lorraine Monroe, a successful leader in the field of educational leadership, sums this up by saying, "Most important is that the leader continue not only to believe in the dream and the need to pursue it but also to do the hard brain work of never doubting its importance," …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Steven E. Mielenhausen

Graduate Research Papers

The world has become a very complex and dynamic place. Students today.are required to make sense of a world that increases its base knowledge at an alarming rate. These students have a general idea of what lies ahead of them when they become adults, but cannot nail down what future employment might look like. Fortunately there are dedicated professionals who understand the importance of an educated, informed and resourceful public. Educational leaders must gather these dedicated professionals with a common vision.

A Perspective Of Educational Leadership In Secondary Schools, Dirk A. Halupnik

Graduate Research Papers

Throughout my experiences in the Master of Arts in Education program, I have had the opportunity to reflect on the values, beliefs, and knowledge that shape my vision on education and leadership. Through this reflection, I have come to a more complete understanding of what I value and how this effects my actions. In this reflective essay, I will discuss three areas: my values, beliefs, and philosophy, my thoughts on the purpose of school, and my personal vision of educational leadership.

A Vision For Administering Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kevin Litterer

Graduate Research Papers

I have experienced many things in two years as a high school principal. I have been yelled at by parents and praised by others. I have mourned the death of a board president, a teacher, and a little girl in the seventh grade. I have hired teachers who are making a difference in the lives of children every time they walk into the classroom, and I have dealt with the stress that comes with terminating a teacher. I have had the opportunity to address the community in an effort to persuade them to vote "yes" on a bond issue and …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, James Muench

Graduate Research Papers

The area of school administration has never been one for easy success. It has always been left wide open for criticism and debate from many different groups of people and community organizations. Since the beginning of this great nation, leaders have debated on the best methods and techniques of educating the children. School leaders have changed with the times just like other leaders in our society. Adjustment and change will always be an important aspect of the success of education.

A Reflective Essay About My Preparation For Education Administration, Stephen A. Reed

Graduate Research Papers

The power that schools have to positively impact students' lives and futures is amazing to me. Leading a staff, student body, and a community into positive relationships with one another can be a challenging task and service. Accomplishing this task can be rewarding. Schools exist to promote learning. Learning takes place throughout one's lifetime. The opportunity to lead a school is the opportunity to positively impact lives in the present, as well as the future.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jeffrey A. Pospisil

Graduate Research Papers

Successful leaders have three things in common. First and foremost is the ability to tum leadership upside down (Daft, 2001) and serve those whom are being led. Other styles may be effective at any given time, but the leaders that stick around are the ones that are able to serve. Second is the ability to make wise decisions based on experience and research, rather than wishy-washy decisions or passing the buck. Finally, a leader must have credibility. Credibility means that people know that the leader has principles and values that he/she really believes.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kathleen J. Gavin

Graduate Research Papers

Administration is a word cluttered with connotative and denotative thoughts for each individual. When attached to the word education, it brings on another layer of detail and philosophical purpose. Obviously those of us involved in education have laid down the first belief that is essential to our jobs. That being the desire and the motivation to mold and educate our nation's youth. We believe we will make a difference in children's lives. An important and positive impact toward the education of our youth should and will remain the focus for administrators, for without children, we would have no purpose. However, …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Tami L. Mclean

Graduate Research Papers

I believe that the role of the principal is vital in creating the workplace and learning community necessary to prepare students for the future. The principal serves many roles including communicator and leader. I know that I possess the skills necessary to fulfill these roles and effectively move a district forward. My vision for the future is not to use a top-down approach in leading a school, but a broad-based participation approach. The school in which I work will strive to enhance leadership in all teachers, form a community of lifelong learners, and grow and reflect individually as professionals. I …

The Album-Like Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Kimberly R. Miers

Graduate Research Papers

Have you ever put together a photo album? One photograph tells a piece of the story, the photo album tells the whole story. The principal's role is much like that of a photo album creator. Principals need to focus on all aspects of the school. In effect they take snapshots of the school, collect them, and analyze them to ensure the realization of their school's vision.

A Clear V.O.I.C.E. : A Reflective Essay, Kimberly S. Nelson

Graduate Research Papers

A leader can be defined in numerous ways and have endless synonyms: head honcho, boss, chief, master, etc. "Critically, the leader has come to replace the hero, and leadership, heroism." (The Drucker Foundation [DF], 1996, p. 72) Similarly, a leader can affect people through a variety of methods and achieve immeasurable results. The evolution of a leader is an endless cycle, fulfilling the needs.of the situation or the fitting to developing relationships.

The ability to reflect is a daily, sometimes hourly task in order for growth to take place. Three major themes emanate including, (1) personal values, beliefs and philosophies, …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Jeffrey N. Novotny

Graduate Research Papers

Principals are leaders who must use their personal characteristics, morals, ethics and knowledge to successfully lead their staff and community. When a principal develops and understands his personal qualities and applies them. his school will have the leadership component necessary for success. This paper is my attempt to learn about myself through reflection and education. It is a compilation of my beliefs on leadership, schooling, education, others and myself--all of which will guide me when I become a school administrator.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Christopher R. Lopez

Graduate Research Papers

Educational leadership was the goal that I set for myself when I began the Educational Leadership Program. That will continue to be part of my future goals as long as I am in the world of education. Along the way in this program I have had to answer the questions of my peers as well as the questions I had for myself. It is only after all the questions have been answered with confidence and knowledge that the goal will be met.

I look forward to the challenge and I am excited about the prospects ahead. There is so much …

A Preferred Vision For Administering High Schools : A Reflective Essay, Gregg Eschweiler

Graduate Research Papers

Without an educated population, this nation would not be as strong as it is, nor will it be as strong as it could be. We still have a strong educational focus in the state of Iowa which lends us to believe that we can stand alone. That might not be the case in the future. Our state, communities, school districts, parents, teachers and students must keep striving to be the best and not rest on its laurels. We can not afford to let a generation of our youth slip, while we entertain a policy of isolation. I believe that the …

My Vision For Becoming A Secondary Level Educational Administrator : A Reflective Essay, Camelle C. Kinney

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to discuss my beliefs about being a secondary administrator. The focus of this paper is to gain a personal understanding of what a secondary administrator is and does, based on various readings, discussions, practicum experiences as well as journaling activities.

Reflections On The Roles And Values Of Educational Leaders : A Reflective Essay, Scott Schipper

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on my personal, philosophical perspective on education, the purpose of school, and my values and beliefs relative to educational leadership. I think it is valuable for educational leaders to reflect upon their philosophies of education. It serves as a reminder to them of why they are in education and how they go about obtaining their own personal goals. These beliefs that I will be sharing have been formulated over my years of teaching and from my experiences throughout this leadership program.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary And Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, James D. Moeller

Graduate Research Papers

There was a time the school principal's job was clear and relatively simple - not easy, but simple. Everyone understood the role of the principal. That is no longer the case.

In today's society, the public education system in America is one that is fraught with dissension, politics and numerous other variables. Leaders and managers in the public sector are under far greater scrutiny than those in the public sector and the school principal is one position that is frequently caught in a maelstrom.

This essay will explore the literature to identify the numerous characteristics, knowledge and skills that are …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Brian L. Ortman

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of education is to prepare students for a life filled with decisions. Therefore, it is the duty of schools to provide students with opportunities to develop the skills needed to make these decisions. Obviously, students attend school to receive an education, but educators cannot stop there, they must also help students to grow socially.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Tonya Englund-Wilkins

Graduate Research Papers

As a principal; the ship should sail toward the direction of becoming a learning community. The community needs to sense the impact schools play on their lives and their future. They also need to find their role when helping to man the ship. After all, the only path to greater academic achievement is the one open to all in which students and teachers travel daily together. If the map is clearly defined and the course is set, collaborative schools can weather any storm.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Barry Jones

Graduate Research Papers

A principal must be an effective communicator and a motivator of students and faculty. A school principal must be a creative and innovative thinker that embraces the challenges of complex school decisions. The principal serves multiple roles as an educator, manager, and leader of the learning community who builds a vision that all stakeholders work together in making possible.

Perhaps the most important characteristic of a principal is being flexible. An effective principal is never completely satisfied and always strives for making things better. Continually monitoring and assessing best instructional practices, school testing data, and educational research, helps a principal …

Administrator Leadership Of Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, David W. Griffin

Graduate Research Papers

The multiple tasks of principals are a dynamic undertaking of responsibilities and expectations. It is crucial we increase the value of today's society and acquire resources needed to nourish our youth and provide them with the tools needed to become successful in the future. The principal plays a key role in identifying what is needed in order to make his or her building most effective.

In a day when so much energy seems to be spent on maintenance and manuals, to be a leader means having the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around you. …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Rex C. Kozak

Graduate Research Papers

Teachers and principals need to work cooperatively to evaluate programs and make suggestions for the betterment of the students. The principal needs to involve the faculty, parents, community, and businesses to help develop a long-lasting relationship between the school and the outside world. Above all, it is the absolutely necessary for administrators to cultivate trust, confidence, integrity, and moral responsibility within the school. If I can create opportunities for educators to feel good about themselves, they will pass this feeling on to students and then into the community. By embracing these components of effective leadership, effective schools will result.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Shelly A. Petersen

Graduate Research Papers

The principal of the 21st century must be able to balance many activities to meet the needs of all constituents. In creating an environment that meets the needs of all, the principal must focus in on six essential concepts: 1) creating a team approach, 2) building a shared vision through communication, 3) facilitating change, 4) managing time, 5) creating climate, and 6) improving instruction. I am convinced that if a principal focuses attention on these six concepts he/she can create a vision within the school that centers its attention on student achievement. When an administrator does so a vision to …

Defining A Leader : Administration At The Secondary Level : A Reflective Essay, Amy Ann Hamilton Kangas

Graduate Research Papers

To teach students and know that you are affecting their future and possibly the future of the world is a daunting fact. To choose to be an administrator further commits oneself to the lifelong challenge of learning, teaching and facilitating an educational opportunity that will benefit students. To be a school administrator is to make a courageous decision. To be effective as a school administrator requires a strong leader who is able to build consensus among teachers; seek input from the community; and promote the trends that may reach students who are in danger of slipping through the cracks.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Laura K. Lawrence

Graduate Research Papers

Principals need to look into the future and make changes that are needed to fit the needs and development of tomorrow's student. It is also important that principals remember to build a school community that continues to grow and not stay stagnant. The vision of a school is a continuous process that is built on dreams of the principal, staff, students, and people in the learning community. This process cannot stop. "Most important is that the leader continue not only to believe in the dream and the need to pursue it, but also to do the hard brain work of …

A Reflective Essay About Philosophy Of Education, James Dostal

Graduate Research Papers

People are the essence of education. In the education and athletic professions people were and are the source of my ideas about leadership qualities. Educational leadership is significant to the organization of schools as well as school districts. This writing will reflect on qualities of leaders and my philosophy of leadership.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Tony R. Hiatt

Graduate Research Papers

Each day, various sources of input develop innovative ideas that could have a positive impact on education, and it is vital that all professional members of education listen to the ideas that are produced and reflect on them. Educators make these contributions by keeping an open mind and maximizing opportunities for children to grow socially and academically through positive experiences during their lives.

In education, we are preparing young people to practice life skills effectively in order to make a community a safe, pleasant place for everybody to live. As an administrator, I hope to serve as an educational leader …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Brad Bridgewater

Graduate Research Papers

Caring is the first trait exhibited by almost every great leader. It may sound like a very soft touchy-feely thing, but it works.The second trait of great leaders, or those who get others to excel, is Integrity. In other words, they can be trusted to tell the truth. They tell the truth in good times and bad, and they tell the truth whether or not it makes them look good or bad.

Finally, great leaders who get others to excel have high expectations. They don't let people get by with mediocrity. No one can really feel good about themselves when …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Steven A. Winters

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will examine how the role of the administration, teachers, community, and students, communication, staff development, and safety all affect the school's climate and culture. As Lyman (2000) found, the "culture of a school has important and far-reaching effects on the thinking and actions of students and teachers" (p. 145).